Amarillo College volleyball begins its 2024-25 season Friday

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo College volleyball team begins its 2024-25 season on Friday facing off against Tyler Junior College in Roswell, New Mexico at the New Mexico Military Institute Classic.

Myhighplains.com spoke with Head Coach Scott Sandel discussing expectations that fans can expect from the Badgers this season.

“Well, I think we’re a very dynamic team with potential of being a really good offensive team. Think will be a fun team to watch, competitive team,” said Coach Sandel. “So our goal is to make it to the playoffs. So to do that, we got to play at a high level. And so I think that’s what you can see.”

After a couple of scrimmages Coach Sandel discovered his teams ability on the offensive end and its overall depth.

“Well, one, we’re just our offensive ability, you know, having a couple players that we know can put the ball down on the floor, so in that situation. So we like that. We like our overall depth,” said Coach Sandel. “We’re a deep team, so we should be able to hopefully sustain injuries and still maintain a high level. So those are the things I really like with this team, or chemistry is great. Good group of girls, so it’s fun to be with them.”

In his second season back with the Badgers Sandel is looking to put together a winning season, and has learned that recruiting athletes is important in NJCAA Division I. He also adds that he has been away from the college game for a while and is getting back into the way rotations and cycles work which will make them a sharper unit.

With a lot of talent in the Amarillo area Coach Sandel finds it convenient not only for the teams recruiting process but for the community.

“It’s great because, you know, one the more we can get kids from Amarillo, the better it is for us to, you know, gets our community involved. It’s a great place to come and get some entertainment,” said Coach Sandel. “If you’re a mom and dad at home, you need to get the kids out of the house. So it’s just great for us overall, because it continues to feed the tradition, the pipeline that Amarillo has had for years, you know, decades by at this point. So it only makes us stronger.”

Kaela Neie sophomore outside hitter, is a great example of local talent as she is an Amarillo native returning home this year after a season with Colorado Mesa where she played in 12 matches and 23 sets.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about our coach, Scott, and so I was just really excited, and I wanted to come back home, because I am an Amarillo native, and so I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play in the Panhandle volleyball district again. So I was really excited to come back and, you know, just get the groove in,” said Neie.

Neie said she is excited for the teams chemistry, reuniting on the court with some friends from the past in her hometown.

“Everybody is just really good friends and the communication is really good. We’re all we’re all like sisters already, and this the season has already just started, so I’m really excited for that. And we all have we all love volleyball so much, and I think that’s going to really help our season this year,” said Neie.

With college experience she is in a position to help others on the team with the adapting process.

“I think since I have already had experience at the collegiate level, I know what to expect, and I know the difficulties that come with it,” said Neie. “I think that I could be a good leader to help the girls that are new to the season to just get into the groove a little bit.”

Neie detailed that her goals for the season are to win the national championship, become a better volleyball player and make really good friends playing the sport that she loves the most.

Coach Sandel had this one last thing to say to the community, “You guys come out and watch us and go badgers!”

For the latest Amarillo news and regional updates, check with MyHighPlains.com and tune in to KAMR Local 4 News at 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 p.m. and Fox 14 News at 9:00 p.m. CST.